In the Summer of 2008, I married my high school sweetheart, and just after returning from our honeymoon, I lost my job. At first, I was devastated. But after a few days of tears and reflection, I realized that losing my job was the push I needed to pursue my true passion. During our wedding planning, I struggled to find a photographer who fit my style and budget. That experience sparked an idea: what if I could help others in the same way? After photographing my cousin's senior portraits with my trusty Sony point-and-shoot, I knew—photography was my calling.

With the unwavering support of my husband, who had recently lost his job as well, we took a leap of faith. Using one of his first paychecks from his new job, he bought me a Nikon D60—a camera that would change everything. I turned a challenging time into the beginning of a dream. By 2010, I had shot over thirty weddings, and by the end of that year, I had over 25 more lined up for 2011. Fast forward fifteen years, and I still feel the same excitement and passion for photography as I did on day one.

As my business evolved, so did my passions. What started as a wedding photographer turned into a deep love for my small-town community. Volunteering on the park board sparked my desire to create and host community events that brought families together. Over the last 5.5 years, I've been proud to contribute to the success of events not only in my town but across my entire county. I realized that small towns and their events often don’t receive the attention they deserve, and that’s when the next chapter of Smalltown Storyteller began.

Now, I combine my love for photography with a passion for supporting small towns and their events. I help small-town leaders and businesses connect with their communities through storytelling, high-quality content, and strategic marketing. Whether it’s capturing memories through a lens or creating unforgettable events, I’m here to help small towns thrive.

If you're ready to take your small-town event or business to the next level, I'd love to work with you. Reach out to me at melissa@smalltownstoryteller.com, and let's make something amazing happen!

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